Predominantly White Organizations Working for Racial Equality

• In Event: 463 - Section on Collective Behavior and Social Movements Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 09. Intersectionality in Social Movements

Abstract

The United States continues to experience significant increases in racial and ethnic diversity and in racial inequality. Yet the majority of politically oriented civic organizations remain predominantly white. Therefore, the struggle for racial equality in the US likely will require the involvement of predominantly white organizations if it is to be successful. What leads predominantly white organizations to work for racial equality? We analyze data from a national study of community organizing coalitions as well as data collected through ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with key participants in a predominantly white coalition that is actively addressing issues of race. Findings indicate that having nonwhite leaders increases the likelihood that a predominantly white organization will address racial issues within the organization and in the public sphere. The qualitative analysis provides allows us to explore the social processes underlying those patterns. Nonwhite leaders increase the salience of race within the organization and play an active leadership role in helping their organization overcome the challenges associated with addressing race.

Authors

• Michelle Oyakawa, The Ohio State University

• Brad R. Fulton, Duke University

• Richard L. Wood, University of New Mexico